Asbestos
Management
Program
Facilities and Operations
Revision #4: February 17, 2012
Page
IMPORTANT
Asbestos related incidents
must be reported IMMEDIATELY
to your supervisor
Emergency Contacts
During regular work hours contact the
Facilities Hazardous Material Coordinator at:
(780) 248-1378
For after-hours emergencies and on weekends
contact the University’s Maintenance Emergencies at:
(780) 492-4833
General Campus Information
Facilities Hazardous Material Coordinator
Facilities and Operations, Health and Safety Office
Department of Environmental Health and Safety
Trades Project Coordinator
248-1378
492-1177
492-1810
492-3039
Facilities and Operations Hazardous Materials Website:
http://www.facilities.ualberta.ca/en/Planning_Project_Delivery/Hazardous_Materials.aspx
Facilities and Operations Health and Safety Website:
http://www.facilities.ualberta.ca/Operations_Maintenance_FO/Health_and_Safety_Program.aspx
Department of Environmental Health and Safety Website:
http://www.ehs.ualberta.ca/
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Asbestos
Management
Program
This brochure provides general information about asbestos and asbestos
containing building materials (ACM) found in University of Alberta buildings.
The intent of this information is to:


enable workers to protect themselves, other workers and building
occupants; and
comply with University of Alberta and Alberta Workplace Health and
Safety requirements for working with or around asbestos containing
materials
The information presented here is generic. All requirements of the
University’s Asbestos Management Program and the safe work procedures
contained in the Facilities and Operations Health & Safety Manual must be
adhered to when working with or around ACM.
In addition to this brochure, Facilities and Operations also offers an
“Asbestos Awareness” E-Learning course that can be arranged through the
Facilities Hazardous Materials Coordinator.
To confirm the presence or absence of ACM prior to performing routine
repair and/or maintenance contact the Facilities Hazardous Material
Coordinator.
Sampling to determine the presence of ACM can only be conducted by
personnel qualified to conduct this type of sampling.
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What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring, strong
mineral fibre that is resistant to heat and
many chemicals. It differs from other
minerals because of its fibrous,
crystalline structure that can be
separated into flexible fibres.
Types of Asbestos

Chrysotile - This is the most
common type (approximately 90%)
of asbestos found in buildings. It is
also known as “white asbestos.” It is
the only serpentine form of
asbestos.
Chrysotile asbestos (mineral form)

Amosite - Also known as “brown asbestos,” it has been used in thermal
insulation and asbestos cement products where greater structural strength is
required.

Crocidolite - Also known as “blue asbestos,” it is not as commonly used as
Chrysotile or Amosite and is typically found in asbestos cement products in
University buildings as a mixture with Chrysotile asbestos.

Other Forms of Asbestos - This includes Anthophyllite, Tremolite, and
Actinolite. These are rarely encountered and are found mainly as
contaminants in other minerals such as plaster and vermiculite insulation.
When is Asbestos a Hazard?
Intact and undisturbed asbestos containing material is not a direct hazard.
Asbestos becomes a hazard when disturbed or in poor condition, and if in a
friable form. Asbestos fibres must be inhaled to present a health hazard. Health
risk is minimal when asbestos is in good condition and inaccessible.
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Asbestos Applications
Asbestos was used extensively in over 3,000 products for many years. The
primary use of asbestos was as an insulator or a fire retardant. Asbestos was
also used as a reinforcing or binding agent in combination with plastics or
cement.
Building materials including plaster, drywall joint compound, floor tiles, floor
levelling compound, ceiling tiles, pipe and duct insulation, gaskets, roofing felt
and a host of other materials may contain asbestos. It was used in spray-on
applications until the mid-1970s. The use of asbestos in construction products
was phased out in the early 1980s. As a result, University of Alberta buildings
built after 1985 should not have ACM; however, certain leftover asbestos
products, such as floor tile, ceiling tiles and cement pipe/board, may have been
installed in buildings constructed up to 1990. As a precautionary measure
buildings constructed between 1985 and 1990 should also be inspected for ACM
prior to renovations.
Special procedures and precautions are required when undertaking repair and/
or maintenance work that may disturb ACM or when working in the vicinity of
ACM.
If you accidentally disturb or encounter ACM, IMMEDIATELY:
 stop work, isolate the work area, report the incident to your supervisor, and
complete an incident report form (if you disturb the material)
If you suspect accidental exposure to airborne asbestos fibres:
 contact your supervisor, complete a WCB Worker’s Report, and contact the
Occupational Health Nurse for further follow-up.
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Where may ACM be encountered in University of Alberta Buildings?
Vinyl Asbestos Tile (VAT)
12”x12” and 9”x9” tiles have been generally
found to contain 1% to 10% Chrysotile
asbestos. The asbestos fibres in VATs are
tightly bound into the matrix of the tile and
are considered non-friable.
Precautions: Do not cut or break dry tiles.
Only trained University staff may remove
less than 10 square feet with hand tools
using low risk procedures specific to this
activity.
Vinyl asbestos tile (VAT)
Sheet Vinyl Flooring
The paper backing on the underside of sheet
vinyl flooring may contain friable asbestos.
The paper backing has been generally found
to contain 50% to 90% Chrysotile asbestos.
Precautions: Do not cut dry sheet vinyl
flooring. Safe work procedures are required
to repair or remove this type of flooring.
Sheet vinyl flooring
Floor Leveling Compound, Mastic
Floor leveling compound (FLC) is generally
found under tile, sheet flooring and carpet. It
may contain 1% to 75% Chrysotile asbestos
and is generally grey, white or brown in both a
fibrous or cementitious form. In some areas,
there may be VAT and FLC under the carpet
or multiple layers of VAT and FLC in one
room.
Mastic may also be present under VAT. It
contains 1% to 10% Chrysotile asbestos. It is
non-friable.
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White FLC under carpet
Floor Leveling Compound (continued)
Grey FLC under floor tiles
Black mastic under vinyl floor tiles
Precautions: The flooring must be checked for floor leveling compound prior to
removal of the flooring. This applies to carpet and floor tile removal. Sometimes
FLC may be present under mastic or paint. If repair or maintenance work may
cause disturbance of this material, contact your supervisor.
Drywall Joint Compound
Drywall joint compound is often present along drywall seams, over screws, over
steel corner beads and sometimes as a thin layer on the drywall. The asbestos
content in joint compounds has generally been found to be 1% to 10%
Chrysotile asbestos. Asbestos containing dust may be generated during wall
repair or demolition.
Precautions: Use hand tools and wet
methods to minimize dust. If a drill is
used, it must have a dust collection
device fitted with a HEPA filter. Trained
University staff may undertake only
minor repair and/or maintenance work
using safe work procedures specific to
this activity.
Drywall joint compound
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Plaster
Asbestos may be present in all layers of
plaster but is typically found in the
coarse “base” or “scratch coat” layer of
plaster (beige or grey in color) typically
on metal or wood lathe. The asbestos
content has generally been found to be
1% to 5% Chrysotile and/or Actinolite
asbestos. Asbestos containing dust may
be generated during wall repair or
demolition.
Beige “scratch coat” plaster
Decorative plaster or “cement plaster”
is mixed with cement and is either spray
-applied or troweled. The asbestos
content has generally been found to be
1% to 5% Chrysotile asbestos.
Asbestos containing dust may be
generated during wall repair or
demolition.
Decorative plaster (spray-applied)
Precautions: Use hand tools and wet
methods to minimize dust. If a drill is
used, it must have a dust collection
device fitted with a HEPA filter. Trained
University staff can undertake only
minor repair and/or maintenance work
using safe work procedures specific to
this activity.
Decorative plaster (troweled)
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Stippled and Textured Finishes
Stippled and textured ceiling finishes have
been found to contain 1% to 50%
Chrysotile asbestos. Stipple coat is
typically applied as a thin, non-friable,
layer on plaster or concrete whereas
texture coat is applied as a thicker, more
friable, layer.
Precautions: Do not disturb this material
under dry conditions. Small penetrations
and attachments can be done under wet
conditions using safe work procedures
specific to this activity. If a drill is used, it
must have a dust collection device fitted
with a HEPA filter.
Spray-Applied Thermal/Acoustic
Insulation (Fireproofing)
Ceiling stipple coat
Ceiling texture coat
Spray-applied thermal/acoustic insulation is generally found in mechanical rooms
and sometimes above suspended ceilings, on beams, metal decks, joists and
columns. This type of insulation may contain 1% to 90% Chrysotile or Amosite
asbestos and is very friable. Most asbestos containing spray-applied fireproofing
insulation on campus has been removed or replaced with non-asbestos
materials. If in doubt, request to have a sample taken for clarification.
Precautions: Do not disturb (scrape, drill
or hammer into) surfaces covered with
this material. If installing small
attachments to a surface covered with
this material, contact your supervisor.
Spray-applied thermal insulation (fireproofing)
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T-Bar Ceiling Tile
T-Bar ceiling tiles may contain 1% to 25% Chrysotile or Amosite asbestos.
Asbestos ceiling tiles range from a wide variety of sizes including 1’x1’, 2’x2’,
2’x4’, and 1.5’x6’. There may be asbestos and non-asbestos tiles in the same
area. The only way to know for sure is by having the tiles tested. Generally,
ceiling tiles with deep fissures and a red backing are more likely to contain
asbestos. The majority of asbestos containing ceiling tiles have been removed
from campus and replaced with non-asbestos materials.
Precautions: Always lift ceiling tiles
gently and slide over unto the next
tile. Use low-risk safe work
procedures to remove or move
10 square feet or less of ceiling tiles
that may contain asbestos. Never
break asbestos ceiling tiles during
removal. For work involving ceiling
tile removal in areas greater than 10
T-Bar ceiling tile
ACM Debris on Ceiling Tiles
ACM debris may be found on top of ceiling tiles in areas that have spray-applied
fireproofing, ceiling stipple/texture finishes or asbestos pipe insulation.
Precautions: Use extreme care
when lifting ceiling tiles that may
have ACM debris. Use low-risk safe
work procedures specific to
accessing ceiling spaces that may
contain ACM.
Texture coat debris on ceiling tiles & light fixtures
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Pipe – Fitting Insulation
Pipe fitting insulation or “mud” includes a mixture of asbestos and cement on
pipe elbows, joints, valves, reducers, hangers, etc. The mud is usually found
wrapped with painted or non-painted canvas, but occasionally as bare mud.
Mud may also be found applied on joints as a thin layer over fibreglass insulation
and wrapped with canvas. This type of material usually contains 5% to 90%
Chrysotile asbestos It may occasionally be mixed with Amosite or Crocidolite
Precautions: Do not disturb material.
If repair or maintenance work may
disturb the ACM; it must be removed
prior to the repair and/or maintenance
using safe work procedures specific to
this activity.
Pipe elbow mud wrapped with non-painted
Pipe – Run Insulation
Mud on fibreglass adjacent to valve
Besides asbestos mud, there are other types of asbestos containing materials
used to insulate pipes throughout University buildings including corrugated
“Aircell” insulation, construction paper, solid fibrous insulation and solid block
insulation.
Aircell looks like corrugated cardboard
insulation and is found on straight
lengths of pipes. It usually contains
25% to 90% Chrysotile asbestos. This
type of insulation is friable.
Precautions: Do not disturb material.
If repair or maintenance work may
disturb the ACM; it must be removed
prior to the repair and/or maintenance
using safe work procedures specific to
this activity.
Corrugated “Aircell” insulation
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Pipe – Run Insulation (continued)
Block Insulation may be found on pipe
runs and elbows. It is was preformed
as two half circle pieces that fit around
a pipe. The two pieces are held
together with either canvas and/or wire.
It is generally found on high
temperature steam lines and contains
50% to 90% Amosite and/or Chrysotile
asbestos.
Precautions: Do not disturb material.
If repair or maintenance work may
disturb the ACM; it must be removed
prior to the repair and/or maintenance
using safe work procedures specific to
this activity.
White solid block insulation
Fibrous pipe insulation is another form
of asbestos insulation that was used
on pipe runs and elbows on high
temperature steam lines. It contains
90% Amosite asbestos. It is very
friable.
Brown solid fibrous insulation
Precautions: Do not disturb material.
If repair or maintenance work may
disturb the ACM; it must be removed
prior to the repair and/or maintenance
using safe work procedures specific to
this activity.
Asbestos containing construction
paper is sometimes found on pipe runs
covering layers of felt and fibreglass
and wrapped with canvas. It typically
contains 1% to 5% Chrysotile
asbestos.
Precautions: Use hand tools and wet
methods to minimize dust. Trained
University staff may undertake minor
repair and/or maintenance work using
safe work procedures specific to this
activity.
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White construction paper insulation
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Pipe – Gaskets and Packing
Oakum-type packing at cast iron pipe
joints may contain ACM. It has been
found to contain 1% to 75% Amosite or
Chrysotile asbestos.
Precautions: Do not disturb or cut into
the packing. If repair or maintenance
work may cause disturbance of this
material, contact your supervisor.
Joint packing on a cast iron pipe
Gaskets at flanged pipe joints have
been found to contain 50% to 75%
Chrysotile asbestos. This material
becomes very friable if disturbed or
damaged.
Precautions: Do not cut into gaskets.
Removal of the gasket as a whole
piece is recommended. If repair or
maintenan ce work may cause
disturbance of this material, contact
your supervisor.
Pipe gasket
Duct – Parging Cement
Parging cement is typically found on
ducting as a thin layer between canvas
and layers of felt, foil and/or fibreglass.
It contains 5% to 90% Chrysotile
asbestos.
Precautions: Do not disturb material. If
repair or maintenance work may disturb
the ACM; it must be removed prior to
the repair and/or maintenance using
safe work procedures specific to this
activity.
Parging cement on duct
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Duct – Mastic
Mastic may be found along duct joints
on bare ducts or on ducts covered with
insulation. Asbestos has been found in
various colors of mastics including red,
black and yellow. It is a non-friable
material. It has been found to contain
1% to 10% Chrysotile asbestos. Not all
mastics contain asbestos. As a result,
testing should be conducted prior to
impacting the material.
Precautions: Do not cut into the
mastic. The most effective way to
abate this material is to wrap the
mastic, cut the duct on either side of
the mastic and dispose of the whole
piece of duct with the mastic as
asbestos waste.
Red duct mastic
Tank/Vessel – Parging Cement
Parging cement is also found on tanks, vessels, boilers, etc. as either a layer
between canvas and felt/fibreglass or as a thicker layer on wire lathe and covered
with canvas. It contains 5% to 90% Chrysotile asbestos.
Precautions: Do not disturb material.
If repair or maintenance work may
disturb the ACM; it must be removed
prior to the repair and/or maintenance
using safe work procedures specific
to this activity.
Parging cement on a tank
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Fire Doors
The interior filler of certain fire doors contain asbestos. It may be in a block or
sheet form. It has been found to contain 50% to 90% Chrysotile and/or Amosite
asbestos. The filler may be exposed when removing hardware or when the door
is damaged. This material is very friable.
Precautions: There is a potential for
fibre release. Remove the door or
hardware using water to control fibre
release. Use safe work procedures
specific for this activity.
Fire door interior (white sheets of asbestos)
Countertops
Countertops are located throughout
campus buildings and are typically dark
grey or green in color. This material is
non-friable. It contains 5% to 50%
Chrysotile asbestos.
Precautions: Do not cut under dry
conditions. Attach or remove under
controlled conditions using specific lowrisk safe work procedures.
Underside of countertop
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Cement Board (Transite)
Cement board or “Transite” is a mixture
of cement and asbestos. Due to its
high resistance to heat and corrosion,
cement board has been used in a wide
range of applications. Examples
include fume hood linings, flammable
and chemical storage cabinets, roof
and siding panels, perimeter heat
register panels and wall and ceiling
panels. It has been found to contain
5% to 90% Chrysotile asbestos. The
material may also be painted.
Transite fume hood lining
Cement Duct/Pipe (Transite)
Precautions: Do not cut under dry
conditions. Attach or remove under
controlled conditions using specific
low-risk safe work procedures.
Transite may also be found in the form of piping or ducting. Transite ducts are
used to exhaust fume hoods and are generally found to contain 5% to 50%
Crocidolite and/or Chrysotile asbestos. Transite pipes generally contain 25% to
50% Chrysotile asbestos.
Precautions: Do not disturb material.
If repair or maintenance work may
disturb the ACM; it must be removed
prior to the repair and/or maintenance
using safe work procedures specific
to this activity.
Transite duct
Transite pipe
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Vermiculite (Zonolite) Insulation
Some vermiculite insulation may be contaminated with asbestos. This type of
vermiculite is known as Zonolite® and is typically contaminated with <1%
Anthophyllite or Tremolite asbestos. Although the material is contaminated with
trace amounts of asbestos, it is very friable and disturbing it can produce high
levels of airborne asbestos fibres. Zonolite® may be found as loose insulation in
an attic space or within the cavity of exterior cinder block walls. It may be brown
or grey in color.
Precautions: There is a high potential
for fibre release if the material is
disturbed. If repair or maintenance
work may cause disturbance of this
material, contact your supervisor.
Vermiculite debris from a cinder block wall cavity
For more information regarding asbestos on campus please view our website at:
http://www.facilities.ualberta.ca/en/Planning_Project_Delivery/Hazardous_Materials.aspx
To complete the University’s “Asbestos Awareness” E-Learning course contact the
Facilities Hazardous Material Coordinator at:
fohazmat@ualberta.ca
Revision #4: February 17, 2012
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NOTES
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